Pune: As the assembly elections approach, the split between Shiv Sena factions has put both the Thackeray and Shinde groups in a fight for political survival in Pune.
While Shiv Sena once held significant ground in the city, the lack of organizational efforts over the past decade has left the party in a precarious position.
The Shinde faction, now aligned with the BJP in the Mahayuti alliance, may not get a single seat in Pune's eight assembly constituencies.
Similarly, the Thackeray faction, part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, is expected to receive only one seat, adding to the uncertainty for both factions in Maharashtra's second-largest city.
The BJP is reportedly firm on contesting six key constituencies in Pune: Kothrud, Parvati, Shivajinagar, Pune Cantonment, Khadakwasla, and Kasba Peth. Meanwhile, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP is expected to contest Hadapsar and Wadgaon Sheri.
Shiv Sena (Shinde) had requested the Hadapsar seat, with city president Pramod Bhangire eyeing a candidacy, but the NCP’s control of the seat makes this unlikely.
For the Thackeray faction, Kothrud is likely the only confirmed seat. Party leaders had also pushed for Wadgaon Sheri and Parvati constituencies, but internal conflicts within the NCP and Congress, as well as recent developments, have made securing these seats difficult.
This has led to rising concerns about the diminishing presence of both factions in the city, with some party insiders feeling that leadership is focusing more on Mumbai than Pune.
With the assembly elections drawing near, both factions of Shiv Sena are in an existential battle to maintain their presence in Pune, a city that has long been politically significant.
